CCTV appeal following robbery at opticians in Tuebrook

Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man who could have information that may assist with their enquiries following a robbery of an opticians in Tuebrook.

Just before 9.30am on Wednesday 1 May it was reported that man entered Tuebrook Eyecare on West Derby Road and asked to try on some designer sunglasses from a locked cabinet.

The assistant opened the cabinet, the man tried two pairs on and said he was taking them and then took another five glasses out of the cabinet.

The assistant felt in fear of violence and the offender left the store with the glasses.

A member of the public heard the shouting in the street and after the assistant said they had been robbed he threw one pair of glasses at the doorway and made off.

Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted, and detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man they believe could assist in their investigation.

Detective Inspector Michael Fletcher said: “This was a very distressing experience for the victim who was left in a state of shock and thankfully they were not injured.

“This happened while the victim was trying to make an honest living, and we are determined to catch the suspect responsible so they can’t target anyone else.

“Robbery from a business is not a victimless crime. I am appealing for the man featured in these images, or anyone who recognises him to come forward. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.

“We also encourage people to come forward if you know anything about the incident which will help with our investigation. This incident took place at a busy time with rush hour traffic along West Derby Road, so I urge anyone who noticed a man acting suspiciously around that time or has captured it on dashcam footage to please contact us.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact us @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or ring 101 with reference 24000399586.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.